Context:
The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (Mechanization & Technology Division) organized a one-day national workshop in New Delhi on the implementation of:
- Online Centralized Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) Platform Version 2.0
- NaMo Drone Didi Yojana
Key Highlights:
Major Launches
- Crop-Specific Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for drone-based application of soil and plant nutrients were unveiled
- SOPs aim to standardize drone use in agriculture nationwide
NaMo Drone Didi Yojana
- Flagship women-centric scheme empowering Self-Help Group (SHG) members to use drones for:
- Spraying fertilizers, pesticides, and other agro-chemicals
- New Drone Portal launched for:
- Mapping and tracking drone operations
- Pilot training and certification
- Real-time dashboard for stakeholders
DBT Platform Version 2.0
- Live demonstrations conducted for Central & State officers
- Features:
- Improved transparency and digital workflows
- Faster subsidy disbursal under Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)
- End of manual bottlenecks and delays
- States shared feedback and implementation best practices
Significance
- Aimed at small and marginal farmers
- Pushes for digital reforms in agricultural mechanization
- Promotes women’s participation in agri-tech and drone operations
- Facilitates fair access to machinery subsidies and support systems
